Buffet... Yum!
My colleagues and I like to have the occasional lunch outing on Fridays. It’s a nice way to hang out outside of work.
I’m a little miffed after this latest trip. The restaurant has decided that large parties automatically have an 18% tip added on. I know it’s polite to tip… but when did it become mandatory? And the real kicker… this was a buffet lunch.
Now why do I think this bullshit? Let me explain:
- A mandatory tip says to me that the restauranteur and I have entered into an implied contract. There should be a service level agreement, meaning that I should get priority treatment over those that can choose their tipping level. Never happens…
- Mandatory tipping at a buffet? You want eighteen cents on the dollar to bring water and take away plates? That’s just ridiculous.
- A preset tip is automatically applied because I have a large party? Since when does it take any more effort to deal with a table of twelve as opposed to three tables of four? Scores high on my bullshit meter.
Tips are earned, not entitled. I think the biggest reason that this 18% mandatory tipping has become acceptable is because we let it. Let your opinion be known, either with your voice or your money. I know I wont’ be returning to this establishment.
Just my two cents…